Wed, 20 April 2016
In this week's episode of the ScapeFu Podcast, Daniel Griffin of Seachem gives us an inside look at Seachem and it's view/support of the planted aquarium hobby. ******* |
Thu, 14 April 2016
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Mon, 11 April 2016
In episode 60 of the ScapeFu Podcast, Jurijs shares his experience at the recent UK Aquascaping Experience 2016. It's a fun episode especially for all of you that were not able to make it this year. Full show notes with pictures of the hardscape entries can be found at http://scapefu.com/episode60 Thanks for listening! |
Mon, 4 April 2016
Cara Wade, a lighting expert from Build My LED, tells you exactly what you should be looking for when thinking about lighting your planted aquarium. Cara clears up misconceptions and cuts through the marketing jargon that's floating out there. You are not going to want to miss this one! Links mentioned in the show:
Thanks for listening! **** |
Mon, 21 March 2016
Sean Murphy is the first to use mineralized soil in planted aquariums intentionally. Mineralized soil retains all of the beneficial nutrients but removes almost 100% of the organics that regular soil has. This minimizes the changes of algae while still providing your plants with the nutrition they need. Items mentioned:
Housekeeping:If you haven't downloaded the ScapeFu App, please consider doing so. It helps us to defray the cost of bringing you the ScapeFu Podcast every week. Download the iOS or Android versions. |
Mon, 14 March 2016
Jeff Miotke is an aquascaper from the USA and he's very talented. Get to know Jeff in this episode of the ScapeFu Podcast. |
Mon, 7 March 2016
Show notes (available March 8, 2016) |
Mon, 29 February 2016
Ways to Fertilize Your PlantsIn ScapeFu episode 55, Art starts a podcast series on the ways people fertilize aquarium plants today. It's a foundation podcast to be followed by deep dives into Estimative Index, Mineralized Soil, PPS and more. Here's what you'll learn on this episode:
Some of the links mentioned in the show:
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Sun, 21 February 2016
Top 10 Reasons People Fail and How to Avoid ThemToday, it is relatively easy to have a healthy, beautiful aquarium. It’s within anybody’s reach if they take the time to do a little research and purchase the right equipment. However, in spite of all the available information out there, many beginners fail and, some, give up and quit. In this episode, we share with you the top 10 reasons why people fail and we teach you how to avoid them. If you’re struggling with your planted aquarium, this is for you. Links Mentioned
HousekeepingThe best way to hear the ScapeFu Podcast and support the show is to download the ScapeFu App. As a bonus, you'll get the weekly Ask Art Podcast for free. Thank you for supporting our work! iOS ScapeFu App | Android ScapeFu App
You can always reach us at feedback@scapefu.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Are you on Facebook? Please LIKE the ScapeFu Page!
Use Twitter? Follow us @ScapeFu
Lastly, if you enjoy listening to our work on a weekly basis, please help us get the word out about the ScapeFu Podcast to others. Word of mouth promotion is the only way we advertise and we can't do it without you. Please bring up the ScapeFu Podcast to your friends, forum members and at club meetings. Thank you so much for your support ******* |
Mon, 15 February 2016
In episode 53, JJ and Art divulge their love affair with certain aquascaping styles. It's a Valentines Day special episode. This is a picture heavy episode so we encourage you to visit the episode post on ScapeFu when you can. There you will see examples of the beautiful aquascaping styles we are talking about. HousekeepingThe best way to hear the ScapeFu Podcast and support the show is to download the ScapeFu App. As a bonus, you'll get the weekly Ask Art Podcast for free. Thank you for supporting our work! iOS ScapeFu App | Android ScapeFu App You can always reach us at feedback@scapefu.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Are you on Facebook? Please LIKE the ScapeFu Page! Use Twitter? Follow us @ScapeFu Lastly, if you enjoy listening to our work on a weekly basis, please help us get the word out about the ScapeFu Podcast to others. Word of mouth promotion is the only way we advertise and we can't do it without you. Please bring up the ScapeFu Podcast to your friends, forum members and at club meetings. Thank you so much for your support ******* |
Wed, 10 February 2016
Today's question comes from Heather: When do you trim leaves that are showing deficiency symptoms? What is the proper way to trim plants? ______________________ If you'd like to leave a question for Art to answer on the Ask Art Podcast, please visit the Ask Art page for instructions. |
Mon, 8 February 2016
Re-released of the long lost ScapeFu episode 2 with an interview with Ghazanfar Ghori. |
Mon, 8 February 2016
This is the first episode of the ScapeFu Podcast. I'm re-releasing it as it has been lost to some of you since we migrated to our current host. |
Mon, 8 February 2016
A nano tank can be alluring to a beginner. It's low cost entry point, the promise of easier maintenance, and it's ability to fit almost anywhere make the nano tank almost a no-brainer for beginners. After all, aren't we always taught to start small? It makes sense, right? However, the reality is, nano tanks are not always easy. They bring some challenges. With less water volume, things happen quicker. Also, such a small footprint makes it difficult to aquascape. Finally, finding the right plants, fish, hardscape and equipment for it can be difficult. In this episode, we share our thoughts on the pros and cons of nano tanks for aquascaping and give you tips and techniques that you can use if you choose to go the nano route. Why would someone want to do a nano tank aquascape?
Challenges of a nano tank aquascapeLook at any aquascaping contest to see what work was the best in show and you will see that nano tanks are never represented.
Tips and techniques for aquascaping a nano tank.Choosing the right plants
Choosing the right hardscape
Perspective and depth
Fish choices for the nano Tank
Equipment for the nano TankLighting
Filtration
Fertilization
Carbon dioxideExamples of good nano tank aquascapesDiego Sandoval is the master of the micro aquascaping. His works are amazingly small and amazingly beautiful. The featured image at the top of this post is of one of Diego's magnificent miniature aquascapes. The work is entitled "Towards Destiny" as is a wonderful example of how proper scale can make a nano tank seem much larger than what it really is. Please go visit Diego's site and marvel at his artistry. Tell him you heard about him in the ScapeFu Podcast. Some of the links mentioned in the episode:
Bonus question from George Farmer George Farmer - "What's the best way to minimise equipment on show in a nano tank? Some aquariums are so small that any equipment at all looks very distracting. Keep up the great work, guys!" Thanks, George! Jurijs replied to George at the end of the episode but you're going to have to listen to it to find our what he said! HousekeepingThe best way to hear the ScapeFu Podcast and support the show is to download the ScapeFu App. As a bonus, you'll get the weekly Ask Art Podcast for free. Thank you for supporting our work! iOS ScapeFu App | Android ScapeFu App You can always reach us at feedback@scapefu.com. We look forward to hearing from you! Are you on Facebook? Please LIKE the ScapeFu Page! Use Twitter? Follow us @ScapeFu ******* |
Mon, 1 February 2016
Algae Prevention & Elimination - How We Do It | ScapeFu051In episode 51, Jurijs, JJ and Art share with you how they prevent and eliminate algae. If you've ever struggled with algae, you need to have a listen. And, it's Jurijs' birthday! In this episode, you'll learn:
Links mentioned in this episode:
Housekeeping
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Sun, 31 January 2016
In the 18th episode of the Ask Art Podcast, Gabriel asks about slowing down an aquascape to a nice idle. Also, a sneak peak at the 31 Days to Build a Better Aquascape Challenge 2016. Links mentioned in the episode: Thank you for being a loyal listener and supporter of the ScapeFu and Ask Art Podcasts. We hope you are getting value and entertainment from them. Other ways to support our efforts:
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Mon, 25 January 2016
Celebrating our 50th episode! We talk about re-scaping your aquarium. Jurijs, JJ and Art share how they re-scape with pro tips for you. Re-scaping Your AquariumIn this episode, you will learn:
Links mentioned in the episode:
How about you? Have you done a re-scape before? Contemplating one? Tell us about it in the comments!HousekeepingThe best way to support the show is by buying the ScapeFu app. As a free gift, you will get access to all of the Ask Art Podcasts - my weekly show where I answer one of your questions. You can download the app by going to your app store: iOS ScapeFu App | Android ScapeFu App We want to hear from you! Send us an email: feedback@scapefu.com |
Wed, 20 January 2016
In episode 17 of the Ask Art Podcast, Art answers James' question on how to deal with BBA in some of his tanks. If you want to send Art a question to be answered in the Ask Art Podcast, just go to AskArt.help. |
Mon, 18 January 2016
In 2015, the third edition of the European Aquatic Plants Layout Contest (EAPLC) was held for the whole of Europe. In this episode, Jurijs and Art share with you a behind the scenes look at at the EAPLC from their perspectives as event organizer/judge (Jurijs) and independent judge (Art). In ScapeFu episode #49, you will learn:
Show NotesWe discussed 5 Reasons to Join an Aquascaping Contest in the past. The 2015 Judges Panel:
The 2015 Organization Team:
The 2015 Sponsors:
WABIKUSA - CategoryThis year Wabikusa category received almost twice amount of entries. This leaves no doubt Wabikusa is trending!
Platz 1 – Frederic Fuss (Germany) Platz 2 – Andre Franken (Germany) Platz 3 – Peter Slacka (Slovakia) Platz 4 – Albert Escrihuela (Spain) Platz 5 – Pedro Rosa (Portugal) Platz 6 – Roberto Bielli (Italy) Platz 7 – Enrico Fortuna (Italy) Platz 8 – Wilco Piest (Netherlands) Platz 9 – Sascha Hoyer (Germany) Platz 10 – Miguel Angel Garcia (Spain) NANO – Category“Less is more” is how to describe the Nano category. Presented works look huge and are more difficult to accomplish compared to regular sized aquariums.
Platz 1 – Frederic Fuss (Germany) Platz 2 – Vladimir Tomek (Czech Republic) Platz 3 – Alexander Maletin (Russian Federation) Platz 4 – Mikolaj Weterle (Poland) Platz 5 – Andre Franken (Germany) Platz 6 – Daniel Nagy (Hungary) Platz 7 – David Barandiaran (France) Platz 8 – Swee Lim Cheah (France) Platz 9 – Lajos Nincsics (Hungary) Platz 10 – Tamas Janos Danicska (Hungary) STANDARD – CategoryFinally the top 10 of the most desired category. Making a head to head race, the winner is Gregoire Wolinski! Three times in a row winning EAPLC is such a great achievement, for this reason we decided to nominate Gregoire Wolinski as a honor member of the judges board 2016.
Platz 1 – Gregoire Wolinski (France)
Platz 2 – Ulrich Poupin (France) Platz 3 – Annika Reinke und Marcel Runde (Germany) Platz 4 – Julien Voultoury (France) Platz 5 – Michael Reinke (France) Platz 6 – Olivier Thebaud (France) Platz 7 – Serkan Cetinkol (Turkey) Platz 8 – Amparo Piera (Spain) Platz 9 – Grigoriy Polishchuk (Ukraine) Platz 10 – Vladimir Trcka (Czech Republic) For pictures from the EAPLC, please go to the main ScapeFu049 show notes page. |
Sat, 16 January 2016
Professional aquascaper, George Farmer, joins Art to talk about the UK Aquascaping Experience taking place the 5th day of March, 2016. If you will be in the UK in March, I would highly recommend that you make an effort to attend. It's free. There will be 4 events:
Have a listen and let us know if you go. |
Mon, 11 January 2016
In episode 48 of the ScapeFu Podcast, Art and Jurijs reflect on 2015 and tell you what they have planned for 2016. They have big goals for this year! Links mentioned in the episode
Housekeeping
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Mon, 2 November 2015
Black Brush Algae (BBA) - How to kill itThis is a first in a series on understanding algae that commonly plague our aquariums. We kick off the series with the infamous Black Brush Algae a/k/a BBA. News
Get to know Black Brush Algae (BBA)Black brush algae (BBA) is one of the toughest algae to get rid of in the aquarium. It’s tenacious and can overtake and suffocate your plants in a matter of a couple of weeks if not controlled. It belongs to the Phylum Rhodophyta (Greek meaning, red plant) that includes 5,000 to 6,000 species of mostly multicellular, marine algae. There are 164 freshwater species mostly in the genus Lemanea and Audouinella. Black brush algae (BBA) is stiff bristle-like branched or unbranched similar to a coarse horsehair. You can recognize it in tight tufts on hardscape and will line the edges of your plant leaves. It’s also known ask black beard algae because it resembles coarse beard hair. It’s blue-green to olive to dark grey in color when young. It’s typically found in fast-moving streams where it’s ability to anchor itself comes in handy. Unfortunately, that same ability makes it extremely difficult to remove. How does black brush algae (BBA) get into your aquariumEasy. It hitchhiked in via plants or even in the guts of fish or inverts. Once the spores are in, they can reproduce quickly under the right conditions. Does CO2 deficiency or inconsistency lead to black brush algae (BBA)?Yes, but this isn’t specific to BBA. Inconsistent or deficient CO2 will cause an imbalance in the golden equilibrium that will cause any algae to grow, not just BBA. So, although this is widely thought to be a cause of BBA outbreaks, it’s not totally correct. Does vitamin B12 cause black brush algae (BBA)?Well, that’s an interesting question. There’s a great thread on this at the UKAPS, entitled What exactly causes BBA? Part 2 - Bacterial imbalance. Here’s the summarized version: High organics in the aquarium cause heterotrophic bacteria to grow exponentially and outcompete the common nitrifying bacteria that we’re used to. Heterotrophic bacteria will result in an increase in vitamin B12 as a byproduct and a decrease in O2 further limiting nitrifying bacteria. Black brush algae (BBA) uses B12 to grow and the decreased nitrification causes an excess of ammonium that algae use to grow. Problems with this theory:
How to eliminate Black Brush Algae (BBA)It is my opinion that, just like any algae, an imbalance in the golden equilibrium is what causes algae outbreaks. So, first and foremost, it is critical to rebalance the golden equilibrium. Known methods to control black brush algae (BBA)
Housekeeping
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Mon, 26 October 2015
Dosing Vinegar in Your AquariumYes, I mean real vinegar. Literally. Here's what you'll learn:
Links mentioned:
If you're not listening to this podcast on the ScapeFu app, why not? It would help us out tremendously AND you get the app-only Ask Art Podcast. Go get it: |
Wed, 21 October 2015
Aqvainnova is finally here!In episode 45 of the ScapeFu Podcast, JJ talks with Esther Mous of Aqvainnova, a new company created to bring quality aquarium plants to the USA. What you'll learn:
ScapeFu Supplemental Post on Aqvainnova and ScapeFu #45 Links mentioned:
Housekeeping
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Mon, 21 September 2015
"I would love to set up one of those beautiful planted aquariums but I don't have the money right now." Do you know someone who's said that? Perhaps, it's been your excuse? In ScapeFu Podcast #44, Jurijs and Art commit to a new challenge. They will go from zero to a full aquascape for about $100. In the episode, they explain how they plan on doing it. It won't be easy and thinking outside the box will critical. Can they do it? What do you think? Here is Art's list of materials:
Total: $137.96 ($37.96 over at the moment) Here is Jurijs' list of materials:
Total: 151.27€ (51.27€ over at the moment) What do you think of the lists? Tell us in the comments below! Why don't you join us?Got an extra C-note to spare? Why don't you join us in this challenge?? We'd love to have company! Tell us what your list would be and send us pictures as you build it. Let's build the $100 aquascape together. HousekeepingScapeFu App - if you don't have it already, we would VERY MUCH appreciate it if you would help us out by downloading the ScapeFu App. Here's what you get:
The iOS version of the ScapeFu App. The Android version of the ScapeFu App. ScapeFu Tribe Community - we now have a small forum to discuss ScapeFu Podcast episodes. Go check it out! Affiliate disclaimer- some of the links above are Amazon referral links. ScapeFu will receive a small affiliate referral fee if you purchase via that link. It doesn't increase the amount you pay and it helps us defray the cost of ScapeFu. We thank you for your help. |
Sun, 13 September 2015
Light Basics for Planted Aquariums Part 1 | ScapeFu043In this episode of the ScapeFu Podcast, Art introduces the concept of light for the planted aquarium. It's intended for beginners and presents complicated concepts in an easy to understand format. More advanced concepts will be explained in following podcasts. Please read the shownotes in conjunction with this podcast episode. Related ScapeFu Podcast episodes: Lighting for the planted aquarium Housekeeping:
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Mon, 7 September 2015
Moss Graffiti: A Foolproof? Moss Starting Method | ScapeFu042In this episode, Art walks you step-by-step through this method of starting moss for your aquascape. Want that old, moss covered forest look? This is how to get it. The ScapeFu App: Items mentioned in this episodes: |
Sun, 30 August 2015
We Are BackHi! We hope you had a great summer! JJ, Jurijs and I are back to our regular ScapeFu recording schedule. This is a short episode. We go over what we've been up to and Jurijs shares some of what he's going through moving his aquariums to a different city. Read more about it on Jurijs' Facebook page. Announcements
Thank you so much for listening and supporting the ScapeFu Podcast. As always, you can reach us at feedback@scapefu.com Best personal regards, Art Pennom |
Mon, 24 August 2015
Update and Housekeeping Art explains the reason for the recent lack of episodes. He goes on to make some announcements:
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Mon, 6 July 2015
Modding Your Aquarium Cabinet Jurijs and Art discuss how you can, and should, modify your cabinet to make it as beautiful as your aquarium.
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Mon, 29 June 2015
In episode 39 of the ScapeFu Podcast, Art has a one hour conversation with professional aquascaper, George Farmer. It's a thought-provoking and educational conversation you won't want to miss.
Join the ScapeFu Tribe to be notified by email when each episode is released. |
Mon, 22 June 2015
Iwagumi Aquascaping Style Explained | ScapeFu037
Please subscribe to the Ask Art Podcast. It's a short-format, question and answer podcast where I answer one of your aquarium-related questions each episode so that you don't need to search through the forums for an answer. |
Mon, 15 June 2015
5 Reasons Why YOU Should Enter an Aquascaping Contest
Please also subscribe to the Ask Ar |
Tue, 9 June 2015
The 1 Thing Takashi Amano Does That YOU Don't is...
Practice.
Let me show you how to practice aquascaping.
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Mon, 25 May 2015
Beginning Aquascaper series - Nathan PerossaIn the first of a series on Beginning Aquascapers, ScapeFu #33 focuses on Nathan Perossa from Australia. He’s only four weeks into his aquascaping journey and shares what he’s learned so far.
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Mon, 18 May 2015
The Aquatic Gardeners Association Convention 2015 was held in beautiful Washington, DC on April 10-12, 2015. In episode 32, JJ and I take you there! We had a great time and we hope you’ll find our overview entertaining. Next time, maybe we can record you at the 2017 Convention! Have a listen! |
Mon, 11 May 2015
Low Tech Aquascaping: What you need to know
Low tech aquariums are the oldest type of aquarium but they've lost the limelight to high tech, full-throttle aquariums. In this episode, we give you what you need to know to set up your own low tech aquascape. Full show notes: Low Tech Aquascaping |
Mon, 4 May 2015
CO2 Regulators are one of the most important pieces of equipment for a planted aquarium. In episode 34, we explain CO2 regulators in detail and tell you what YOU need to know to make an informed purchasing decision.
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Sun, 3 May 2015
Aquarium Photography: Tutorial for AquascapingScapeFu Podcast Episode 30 full show notes. Learning to photograph your aquascape is like learning how to not kill plants. Your need to do it to improve your aquascaping and make your aquarium beautiful. In episode 30, we tell you the secrets to taking winning aquascaping photos from famed aquascaper from Portugal, Filipe Oliveira, and professional photographer and aquascaper from the UK, Stu Worrall. Jurijs and I wrap up this pro tip-packed episode with the tips to take your aquarium photography to the next level. Additional resources:
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Wed, 8 April 2015
Killing Blue Green Algae/Cyanobacteria - SFPT009 Today, it’s all about ways to knock out the smelliest of all algaes - blue green algae a/k/a cyanobacteria! Yes my friends, those of you that have been visited by this nasty, slimy type of algae know what I’m talking about. It’s an ugly bugger. Here’s how to get rid of it. More details available in the shownotes. ***** Do you have a tip that is making your aquascape or life better? Please pay it forward and share it with your fellow hobbyists! Send it to Art at art@scapefu.com and he'll share it on a future ScapeFu Wednesday Pro Tip! Become a friend of the show by subscribing to the podcast on iTunes and leaving us an honest rating. It will really help us promote the show.
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Wed, 1 April 2015
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Sat, 28 March 2015
Takashi Amano's Underwater Forests - Behind the Scene by Jurijs | SF029The largest nature aquarium in the world is located at the Lisbon Oceanario. It's a temporary exhibit created by Takashi Amano called Florestas Submerses or Underwater Forests. Our very own Jurijs was there as one of the volunteers. In ScapeFu Podcast 29, Jurijs takes us behind the scene and walks us through what it was like to spend a week with Takashi Amano and his team. Questions covered include:
Read more about it and see pictures by visiting the show notes: http://www.scapefu.com/29 Please subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast on: iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/scapefu/id389713289?mt=2 or Stitcher (Android): http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/art-pennom/scapefu-podcast Join the ScapeFu Tribe and get email updates for FREE: http://forms.aweber.com/form/57/1084542957.htm ***** |
Wed, 25 March 2015
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Sat, 21 March 2015
<a href="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/episode27header1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1250" src="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/episode27header1.jpg" alt="Perfect Substrate" width="730" height="350" /></a>
<h1>5 Characteristics of the Perfect Substrate | ScapeFu028</h1> <h3></h3> <h3>What type of substrate should I use in my aquarium?</h3> This is a question we hear all the time. Perhaps you’ve asked it? It’s a good one because the substrate you use in your aquarium has a lot to do with whether you succeed or fail. Depending on the size of your aquarium and your aquascape, it may be one of the more expensive things to buy as well. <h3>News</h3> <ul> <li>Aquatic Gardeners Association 2015 Convention in Reston, VA April 10–12</li> <li>Aqua Design Amano’s “<a href="http://www.adana.co.jp/en/release/detail?id=88">Largest Nature Aquarium in the World</a>” in Lisbon. The gag order on Jurijs is now lifted! Come back for the next episode of the ScapeFu Podcast where Jurijs will give us all the “behind the scene” details!</li> </ul> <h3><a href="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/50758813d0f74.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1253" src="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/50758813d0f74-150x150.jpg" alt="Oliver Knott Substrate" width="150" height="150" /></a>5 Characteristics of the PERFECT substrate</h3> <ol> <li>Appearance suitable for the aquascape. Does it meet your vision for the aquascape? It’s got to look good to you or everything else doesn’t matter. Remember that you’re trying to <a href="http://www.scapefu.com/scapefu023-3-ways-put-story-aquascape/">tell a story with your aquascape</a> and the substrate must help you do that. Consider the color, size and texture of the granules and what sense of scale it will give the viewer.</li> <li>Any good substrate must properly anchor your roots. It’s got to hold them down well. Use too large of a granual size and your tiny rooted plants will have a tough time staying down. Also, it should won’t turn to mush over time. If you use soil, for example, you’ll end up with a mess. Soil + water = mud…</li> <li>The <a href="http://www.hallman.org/plant/soilchem.html">substrate must be capable of functioning as a nutrient storehouse</a>. What I mean by this is that a good substrate will have/absorb essential nutrients and hold them (out of solution or in solution but only in the substrate) so that plants can take them up. A substrate’s Cataion Exchange Capacity (CEC) is one way to measure how good a substrate is at doing this.</li> </ol> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><a href="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ADA-PowerSand-Special-S.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1255" src="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ADA-PowerSand-Special-S-150x150.jpg" alt="PowerSand Substrate" width="150" height="150" /></a>The all-knowning Wiki tells us that CEC is the total capacity of a soil to hold exchangeable cations. CEC is an inherent soil characteristic and is difficult to alter significantly. It influences the soil’s ability to hold onto essential nutrients and provides a buffer against soil acidification.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">Another way substrates create a nutrient storehouse is by providing the proper home to bacteria and microorganism that convert nutrients to forms available to plants. They also finish certain cycles such as the nitrogen cycle. They are critical for the long-term success of your aquarium.</p>
<ol start="4"> <li>The perfect substrate won’t negatively affect water chemistry. Substrates with limestone/calcium will change the hardness of your water. Pour some muriatic acid (CAREFUL!) on a substrate that you’re unsure of and see if it bubbles, fizzles or melts. Don’t use it if it does.</li> <li>The perfect substrate won’t cloud the water by constantly releasing substances such as tannins.</li> <li><strong>Bonus!</strong> The perfect substrate is cheap and easy to obtain. But, should it be cheap?</li> </ol> <h3><a href="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Tropica-Aquarium-Soil-Powder-3-Liter_b2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1256" src="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Tropica-Aquarium-Soil-Powder-3-Liter_b2-300x200.jpg" alt="Tropica Substrate" width="300" height="200" /></a>Question: is a combination of substrates (for example, Power Sand + Aquasoil) better than only one substrate (Aquasoil)?</h3> We’ve done it both ways and either works. <h3>What are some of the commercial substrates we’ve used?</h3> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00025YSB0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00025YSB0&linkCode=as2&tag=aquaticplan06-20&linkId=HQT3UF6X7V52VV2J">Seachem Flourite</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002DH0QM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0002DH0QM&linkCode=as2&tag=aquaticplan06-20&linkId=BNH5OWO42QMSZEXP">CaribSea Eco-Complete</a></li> <li>Florabase</li> <li>Dennerle</li> <li>Tropica</li> <li>ADA Power Sand and Aqua Soil</li> </ul> <h3><a href="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ada-aqua-soil-amazonia-powder-3-l.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1258" src="http://www.scapefu.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/ada-aqua-soil-amazonia-powder-3-l-300x300.jpg" alt="ADA substrate" width="300" height="300" /></a>HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!</h3> We would love it if you could please <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=http://www.scapefu.com/27">share this episode with your Facebook Followers</a>. We don’t advertise so this is the only way we have to get the word out about The ScapeFu Podcast.
If you like what you’ve heard, please go to iTunes and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/scapefu/id389713289?mt=2">rate, review and subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast</a>. It’s the easiest way to make sure you don’t miss an episode. They will be downloaded automatically to your device to listen to at your convenience. <h3>Ways to Subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/scapefu/id389713289?mt=2">Subscribe via iTunes</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.scapefu.com/feed">Subscribe via RSS</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/art-pennom/scapefu-podcast">Subscribe via Stitcher</a> (Andriod)</li> </ul> <h3>Feedback</h3> We’d love to hear from you about today’s topic or anything else. How can we help you?
The easiest way to reach us is via email. Art is at <a href="mailto:art@scapefu.com">art@scapefu.com</a>, JJ is at <a href="mailto:jj@scapefu.com">jj@scapefu.com</a> and Jurijs is at <a href="mailto:js@scapefu.com">JS@scapefu.com</a>.
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Thu, 19 March 2015
<p>This Wednesday Pro Tip comes to us courtesy of Giuseppe! It’s using pumice as a base layer in your substrate and it makes a lot of sense.</p>
<p>If your aquascape calls for a thick substrate and you’re wallet is starting to hurt because it’s going to cost a lot to use 100% expensive substrate, think about using a base layer of pumice to build it up. Then cover this layer with the substrate of choice.</p>
<p>This is a great idea because: 1. Saving money because it’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IIUCZH0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IIUCZH0&linkCode=as2&tag=aquaticplan06-20&linkId=GKDU5QNP7GN5JYCZ">cheap and easy to get</a>. 2. It creates a great environment for the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Substrate_(aquarium)">microbes that are necessary in the substrate</a></p>
<p>It doesn’t have to be pumice. You can also use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F4NAHXS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00F4NAHXS&linkCode=as2&tag=aquaticplan06-20&linkId=RMKW2VC2LSPJJS25">ceramic rings</a> like the ones you put in filters. Really almost anything that’s inert will work.</p>
<p>Thanks, Guiseppe!</p>
<p>If you have a tip that you want to share with your fellow hobbyists, pay it forward and send it to us at <a href="mailto:feedback@scapefu.com">feedback@scapefu.com</a>. We’ll share it with the world!</p>
<p>If you like what you heard, please subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast. It’s free and easy. All you need to do is use <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/scapefu/id389713289?mt=2">iTunes</a> or <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/art-pennom/scapefu-podcast">Stitcher on Android</a></p> |
Sat, 14 March 2015
Dry Start Method - 7 Tips for Success | ScapeFu027What is the Dry Start Method?Popularized by Tom Barr back in 2007, the Dry Start Method is intended to solve a problem people have with setting up an aquarium with tiny carpet plants. The problems are:
From Tom’s article, the benefits of the dry start method are:
Dry Start Method: 7 Tips for SuccessTips:
Not everyone thinks the dry start method is the bomb. Niko’s post on APC for example. He suggests an ebb and flow system. Focus on You
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!We would love it if you could please share this episode with your Facebook Followers. We don’t advertise so this is the only way we have to get the word out about The ScapeFu Podcast. If you like what you’ve heard, please go to iTunes and rate, review and subscribe to the ScapeFu Podcast. It’s the easiest way to make sure you don’t miss an episode. They will be downloaded automatically to your device to listen to at your convenience. Ways to Subscribe to the ScapeFu PodcastFeedbackWe’d love to hear from you about today’s topic or anything else. How can we help you? The easiest way to reach us is via email. Art is at art@scapefu.com, JJ is at jj@scapefu.com and Jurijs is at JS@scapefu.com. Links Mentioned in This Episode and Additional Resources
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Wed, 11 March 2015
Shownotes are at http://www.scapefu.com/protip004 |
Sat, 7 March 2015
Shownotes are at http://www.scapefu.com/26 |
Wed, 4 March 2015
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Fri, 20 February 2015
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Fri, 20 February 2015
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Fri, 20 February 2015
http://www.scapefu.com/24 |
Tue, 17 February 2015
http://scapefu.com/protip002 |
Wed, 11 February 2015
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Fri, 6 February 2015
http://www.scapefu.com/23 |
Sat, 24 January 2015
An interview with Balazs Farkas about his award-winning aquascape, Before the Creation of Adam. |
Fri, 7 November 2014
Http://scapefu.com |
Fri, 15 August 2014
http://scapefu.com/20 |
Fri, 25 July 2014
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Tue, 22 July 2014
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Fri, 27 June 2014
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Fri, 20 June 2014
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Thu, 12 June 2014
Carbon dioxide is a critical factor that determines, for many, success or failure with planted aquariums. Making sure you are providing enough to your plants given your unique aquarium situation can be challenging. In this episode, we dive into the science side of planted aquariums and discuss the importance of CO2 and how to go about making sure you are providing enough. |
Sun, 11 May 2014
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Thu, 1 May 2014
Do you need to cycle a planted fish tank? Art, JJ and Tom Barr give you their thoughts. |